For many people, New Years Eve is a time to not only celebrate the previous 365 days but to also make resolutions with the hope that the next year will be better than the last. For me, reflecting on the past year on December 31st is essential; but I have never really been one to make New Year’s resolutions. However, this year was different. 

As I reflected on 2019, I smiled and remembered all of the adventures I had experienced with my new friends that I made since moving to Arizona in August. However, those memories quickly faded away as the pain I experienced started flooding my mind. So much change and hurt happened that for a moment I wished I could just forget it all, and yet I would never want to lose the lessons God taught me during those times. 

As midnight started to draw near, my thoughts shifted to the year 2020. I knew change was inevitable whether I wanted it or not; but I was determined to not enter the New Year in fear. So I decided that for 2020 my resolution would be to strive to embody the word “courage” in every decision I would make and in every circumstance I would face. 

At that point of time, I had no idea how fitting this word, “courage” would be, not only to me but to all of us, as we are all living in unprecedented times with this pandemic disrupting almost every area of our lives. The temptation to live in fear has never been more prominent. 

Even as I start this blog, I realize the courage that it will take to follow through. Fear and anxiety have almost stopped me from writing. I don’t know about you, but for me it is difficult to be vulnerable and to reveal the deep interworking of my life. However, anytime I am tempted to stop, I am reminded of why I am doing this. 

I am writing this blog to bring God glory. My hope is that by reading about my experiences and failures, you will find yourself closer in relationship with God. This is bigger than me. So as you continue to read my blog, I hope you see that the words written on these posts are not from a place of the absence of fear but from a place of courage.

I love how Nelson Mandela put it: 

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” 

I hope you hear my sincerity when I say I am afraid. But, I will not allow that to stop me; and I don’t want it to stop you either. God wants more for you and for me. So speak up when you are hurting or feeling alone. Be brave when you are afraid to do what is right because no one else is. Have courage in the face of trials and difficulties. Dare to live with courage – courage uncaged. 

– Photo by Matthew Wilson